Bangor – 10 Enniskillen – 11
Enniskillen made the long journey to Bangor last Saturday looking to avenge the defeat in the
opening match of the season and were delighted to come away with the points after a narrow win.
In very difficult conditions ‘Skins had first use of a biting wind, but it was Bangor however who had
the better of the first half, sensibly holding on to the ball and driving at the visitors with the ‘Skins
defence was strangely passive with defenders holding off their man.
It was Enniskillen who managed to take a lead through the boot of Chris McVitty but defensive
frailties allowed Bangor in for a soft converted try to more than overturn the advantage. ‘Skins
were struggling to put phases together and on a number of occasions simply kicked the ball away.
The second half performance was much better as ‘Skins started to keep the ball in hand and this
along with some good set pieces helped to steady the ship.
Although Bangor increased their lead with a penalty ‘Skins started to run at Bangor with centres
Mark Hurst and skipper Alan Wilkinson in particular catching the eye. Leading scorer Andrew
Dixon also made a few telling runs and from a backs move Dixon broke free making good ground
before finding Felix Quigley in support, showing great pace and awareness to score what turned
out to be the winning try.
This was a victory ‘Skins just about deserved on the balance of play but they will have to improve
greatly ahead of their Town’s Cup quarter-final this coming week.
Enniskillen 3rd XV – 14 Rainey 4th XV – 12
Enniskillen entertained Rainey 4’s in the Quarter Final of The Butler Shield on a day where all four
seasons came in typical Fermanagh style, and the home side knew that they would have to raise
their level of performance to progress to the semi-final of the competition.
‘Skins started with a strong breeze at their back, but it was the visitors who were in control,
applying the early pressure, but staunch defence kept the Magherafelt men out. Outhalf Keith
Hurst had the firsts coring attempt as he tried a range finder of a penalty kick from half way, but the
breeze at his back just pushed it wide.
The Enniskillen pack were on top in the tight and Steven Frazer in particular was very impressive,
hooking at least eight balls against the head. Hurst made no mistake with his second attempt at
the posts and shortly after made another succesful effort to put his side 6 – 0 up.
The game was turning rather ferocious and there were several nasty off the ball incidents but
‘Skins to their credit did not react, and in general the team’s discipline was very impressive, after
several games where it left alot to be desired!
On the half hour ‘Skins increased thier lead, a pre rehearsed lineout move saw Frankie Fee take
clean ball and pop to Ross Duncan who as usual crashed over the line with a trail of opposition
attempted tacklers wondering just what had happenned! The touchline conversion was missed.
Skins were 11 – 0 up at the break.
As the second half started, so did a torrential hail shower, leaving the game almost unplayable!
Rainey took advantage of the situation and scored two tries with skins blinded by the hail shower
into their faces. One of the conversions was succesful to give the visitors a 12 – 11 lead.
‘Skins knew this was it, they had to raise their performance, and eventually after alot of controlled
posession, the visitors conceded a cynical penalty in front of their posts when a home try was
inevitable! Hurst slotted it over, putting the Fermanagh men back in the lead 14 -12.
With a slender lead ‘Skins played the next few phases rather nervously with the vistors bouyed
knowing they had to score, and that any score would put them back in the driving seat. But some
fantastic play from Fee, Duncan, Frazer, Warrington and Rodney Kingston in particular kept the
home side in control. Then just as the referee signalled the last play of the game the home side
were harshly penalised thirty yards from their own posts, in the middle of the field. Rainey knew
this would win them the game and as their winger stepped up to take the kick you could hear a pin
drop at Mullaghmeen. Somehow he managed to screw it to the left of the posts, when it seemed
easier to convert and the referee sounded the whistle and the home side knew they had been let of
the hook big style!
All eighteen men put in a fantasic effort and are rewarded with a semi final spot, looking to bring
The Butler Shield back to Enniskillen RFC for the first time since the year 2000
Enniskillen – 17 Omagh – 10
On a perfect evening for playing rugby, it was Omagh who started the proceedings more brightly
and after four minutes fullback Neil Mellon opened the scoring with a well-struck drop goal.
The following period of the game was fairly even with Enniskillen starting to come into the game.
On the 20 minute mark, Omagh outhalf Lee Warnock scored the opening try of the game, breaking
through the Enniskillen defence to score under the posts. Mellon converted to leave the score
reading10-0.
The Fermanagh side had chances to cut the lead in the first half but too
many errors saw them going into the interval trailing 10-0.
‘Skins raised their game and after a sustained period of play Enniskillen
opened there account with a try scored by Kyle Moffat. The extras were
added by outhalf John Maguire.
Enniskillen continued to improve and Alex Gormley rounded off some
fine play to score in the corner. Maguire’s superb touchline conversion
and another penalty left the final score reading 17-10 to Enniskillen.
The man of the match award was awarded to Omagh prop Lee
McLaughlin for his impressive work both in the scrum and the loose.
Enniskillen now join Clogher Valley in the hat for the quarter final draw.
